16 US Marines arrested, accused of human smuggling

They're also suspected in drug-related offenses

By Zachary Cohen and Barbara Starr, CNN

Posted: 2:07 PM, July 25, 2019Updated: 2:23 PM, July 25, 2019

U.S. Government via Wikimedia Commons

(CNN) - Sixteen U.S. Marines were arrested Thursday for alleged involvement in various illegal activities ranging from human smuggling to drug-related offenses, according to a statement from the Marine Corps.

The arrests took place in a dramatic fashion on Thursday morning at Camp Pendleton, California, during a battalion formation.

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"Information gained from a previous human smuggling investigation precipitated the arrests," the statement said. "None of the Marines arrested or detained for questioning served in support of the Southwest Border Support mission."

Eight other Marines were also questioned on their involvement in alleged drug offenses unrelated to Thursday's arrests, the Marine Corps said.